Wasteful Ponty still too good

Dai Flanagan became only the sixth player in Pontypridd's history to score more than 1,000 points as they got the better of Carmarthen Quins.

The former Blues and Ospreys fly half passed the landmark with a second half conversion in a 30-15 win but saw his side forced to work hard for the victory at Sardis Road.

Craig Locke, Gareth James and Gavin Dacey all crossed in the first half but it could easily have been more for the home side as they wasted a number of further chances.

And although Quins refused to give up, Dylan Morgan and Ian Jones crossing in either half, Pontypridd were deserving winners with Huw Dowden adding their fourth try after half time.

Jack Maynard had given Quins the lead with a simple penalty with less than two minutes on the clock before Flanagan missed a simple chance to level things up - the usually reliable fly half striking the post with a penalty effort.

Despite trailing 3-0, the home side were dominating with their willingness to run the ball from deep a refreshing change from the aerial ping pong that is international rugby. And although centre Gary Williams let a clear try scoring opportunity slip by passing straight into touch with no one outside him, Pontypridd were not to be denied a second time.

Quick hands saw Locke go over in the corner with Flanagan seeing his conversion go over via the upright. Quins were seeing little of the ball and when Williams burst through a tackle inside his own half, another home score looked certain. He failed to find Matthew Nuthall outside him though and the chance was lost.

After wasting a number of opportunities, much to the home crowd's annoyance, Quins then showed the league leaders how to be clinical. Out of nowhere, Morgan demonstrated his pace, escaping the covering defence to score in the corner. Maynard missed the conversion but his side had a one point lead.

Pontypridd continued to be wasteful, Nuthall seeing another effort ruled out for a forward pass but it seemed only a matter of time before they cut loose. And they did just that in the 15 minutes leading up to half time. Scrum half James dived over following a neat short line-out before Dacey added his side's third score for a 17-8 interval lead.

The purple patch continued after the break, Flanagan kicking a simple penalty and converting Dowden's push over try to break the 1,000 point mark. More importantly, Pontypridd now led 27-8 and were looking to cut loose in the final half hour.

Quins' away record has been nothing short of exceptional this season though and despite facing a nine point deficit, they refused to give up. A Pontypridd scoring spree failed to materialise and prop Jones got the visitors back into it with a push over try. Maynard converted superbly and with 20 minutes left, the game was still in the balance.

Any sniff of a comeback was ended though when Haydn Pugh was yellow carded and the game became increasingly scrappy. And after replacing Flanagan, Simon Humberstone wrapped up Pontypridd's win with a late penalty.

There remained a feeling though that they could,and perhaps should, have won by more.

There was a mini Judgement Day for the Llynfi Valley bragging rights on Derby Day as Maesteg hosted Maesteg Quins and up the road, Nantyffyllon played Maesteg Celtic. Nantyffyllon were close 13-10 victors at home while Maesteg Quins managed a memorable 24-9 scalp over home side Maesteg

Nelson Belles have made rapid strides in a relatively short space of time, with the Williams family playing a pivotal role in the club's progression. Karron Williams is manager of the senior team while daughter Jo plays for the seniors and coaches the U18s alongside her dad, Steve. Karron has no hesitation in saying joining the club was the 'best thing I ever did', as Liz Jones reports.

In this week's podcast with WRU TV's Graeme Gillespie, Llandovery skipper Richard Brooks reveals the signing of the Principality Premiership season while Ebbw Vale's Ronny Keynes says his side aren't panicing, despite being at the wrong end of the East division points table.

Volulnteers in junior and youth rugby around Wales, such as those in the Blues region featured here, are working more closely than ever on a joined up approach to attracting and keeping players in the game.

Llandovery are currently sitting top of the west division with three wins from three games in the Principality Premiership. WRU TV's Graeme Gillespie talks to Drovers head coach Euros Evans as he prepares his side to face a resurgent Neath.

This week is round three of the Principality Premiership. WRU TV's Graeme Gillespie talks to Bedwas skipper George Lee and loyal Bargoed servant Leigh Meads along with ex-Carmarthen Quins coach Louie Tonkin who is now seeking success with Bahrain.

The Principality Premiership kicks off this weekend with a new format. WRU TV's Graeme Gillespie discussed the season's prospects with defending champions Merthyr along with Cross Keys, RGC 1404 and Aberavon at the official launch held at Principality Stadium earlier this week.

The new Principality Premiership season kicks off this weekend with defending champions Merthyr beginning their defence of the title against Cross Keys in the East division. Coach Dale MacIntosh and Phillip Rees are expecting a tough season ahead.

Time is running out for young fans to enjoy rugby camps in North Wales and in the Dragons region. Boys and girls, aged 6-14, will have the chance to boost their skills, making friends and having fun in the process.

Lead Volunteer Gemma Sherlock sees the Rhondda Miners Cluster as a perfect pathway for young girls in the area to work towards Under 18 and senior rugby as the cluster continues to go from strength to strength.

Ysgol y Berwyn School club hub officer Euros Jones uses a unique Welsh-centric programme to encourage youngsters to the game with Sam Warburton, Leigh Halfpenny and George North just some of the heroes that the likes of eight-year-old Moli aspire to be.

As part of her role as a Lions Home Ambassador, WRU apprentice Kira Philpott, supported by her fellow apprentices, organised a Disability Rugby Lions Legacy festival at the WRU National Centre of Excellence.

Second row Sean Moore began the season playing for Division One club Mountain Ash and ended it playing for Wales in the World Rugby U20 Championship. He tells us about his whirlwind rise to international rugby which will give hope to all club players who have missed out on regional rugby.

The wow-factor woven into Wales' dramatic NatWest 6 Nations win over Scotland at Principality Stadium on Saturday has caused a significant ticket sales spike ahead of the next home clash for Warren Gatland's side - against Italy on Sunday 11th March (3.00pm).

There will be a battle of the champions in the quarter-finals of the WRU National Cup when unbeaten Championship title holders Pontypool head to The Wern to meet reigning Principality Premiership champions, Merthyr.

WRU

1

Principality Premiership

Developing the game in Wales and creating a stable and progressive environment for players of the future

2

National Leagues

Taking the grass roots game out across the length and breadth of the nation, the National Leagues are the focus of the community rugby in Wales

3

National Cup

The National Cup, Plate and Bowl continue the legacy of the WRU Challenge Cup, culminating in a shot at glory at the Principality Stadium.

4

Women's Rugby

Women's Community Rugby embraces both the regional and community club game from Girls' Leagues through to the Women's Premier Division